Right from the start, registering at the Waitomo Isite everything was great. The young lady referred us to a suitable overnight parking site for our motorhome and recommended the Ruakuri walk to do in area. This was very good, informative, interesting and attractive yet a relatively easy walk for 'pensioners'! We met people completing their black-water rafting excursion and other guides undertaking training. All very friendly and courteous.

The following morning we joined the SPELLBOUND tour starting with a minibus tour to the caves. Norm - our guide - was not only friendly, informative and knowledgable but also professional. With only 12 people in the tour - maximum - from many parts of the world the party soon became friendly and relaxed. The rubber dingy trip through the first cave was a truly amazing experience with the cave ceiling only a little above head height in many areas - indeed some of the glowworms were in alcoves below shoulder height when seated in the dingy - so this provided great visibility and detail regarding the silken 'web' of the insects. Being able to photograph theses close-up was really great! Leaving the dingy trip we enjoyed morning tea and were then led on a walk through an adjacent cave where considerable effort had been taken in installing a safe walkway with subdued lighting, to show the structure of the stalactites and stalagmites, the general geology of the cave with the 'tomos' giving air and light into parts of the cave. Moa Fossils were displayed as were the remains of more recent animals that had become trapped in the cave.

This was a great experience. The word 'Spellbound' truly reflects our impressions of the tour. Thanks to Norm and his team.

I had set my heart on seeing the famous blue glowworms and I very nearly missed out due to time factor. However, I was able to include the visit to the Spellbound caves. The tour is aptly named and it was a fantastic experience. Our guide, Pete, was brilliant and gave the group ample time to soak up the atmosphere.

The tea break and comfort stop were very welcome. Altogether a magical visit. Thank you.

When in New Zealand do not miss out on the Spellbound Tour to see the glowworms at Waitomo. It's by far the best way to see the glowworms - friendly, informal, informative, small groups. Marvellous!

I did a 3 week bike tour of the South Island and later
added 2 weeks on the north island sightseeing with
my wife. The Waitomo Spellboud tour was a high point
of our north island trip. Not only was the attraction itself
wonderful, our host Peter took great pains to educate and
entertain our small group tour by explaining the history
and geography of the region/caves, the full story of the
glow worm larva and the caves they inhabit in a 2.5 hour
relaxed and interesting visit by raft and walking tour. I'd
recommend this tour as a great way of learning more
about New Zealand's geographic history.

Dennis Uyeno
San Jose, Calif. USA